US approves potential $2 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved a possible sale to Saudi Arabia of up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rocket guidance kits and related equipment in a deal valued at nearly $2 billion.

According to the State Department, the proposed package also includes related logistical and support equipment. In addition to the guidance kits, Washington is prepared to provide Riyadh with LAU-131 A/A launchers, Mk-152 warheads, as well as other associated equipment and systems, Caliber.Az reports.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region.

The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense, and improving interoperability with U.S. forces, and other regional and NATO forces. The proposed sale will also augment Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air, and air-to-ground self-defense capability. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces,” the State Department noted.

By Jeyhun Aghazada